QB helium may boost Chargers draft options

Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley passes during the second half of their NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won 38-28. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
— AP

Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley passes during the second half of their NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won 38-28. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
/ AP

When Tom Telesco was hired, I suggested he tell his former Colts boss Bill Polian, now an ESPN analyst, to talk up the draft-eligible quarterbacks.

It’s taken several weeks, but in Geno Smith, we finally have a quarterback who’s generating heavy buzz, and that’s a good sign for the Chargers, who pick 11th and have a quarterback.

It’d be even better for Telesco if the National Football Post’s Russ Lande is on to something. Lande, in his latest mock draft, says two passers will join Smith in the top 10, allowing the Chargers to select Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joekel. He's widely thought a top five talent.